Things had been too good, for too long. I should have seen this coming.
I was awoken in the middle of the night by my room being flooded with light. All the lights in the house were activated. I stumbled down the hall, and heard the television blaring in the living room. There dad and Pepper stood, horrified eyes watching the screen.
"It seems the terrorist group is after Stark Enterprise owner, Tony Stark. They have taken hostages in L.A as ransom until Stark meets their requests."
"What's going on?" I step out of the hallway, and draw the attention of my parents.
"Abby? Why are you up?" Pepper tries to ask calmly.
"All the lights in the house are on." I say, squinting through my sleep crusted eyes.
I hear dad swear under his breath before he addresses Pepper and I. "Jarvis sent the house into a state of emergency. We need to get you two out of here."
"What? No." I say defiantly.
Dad looks at me sternly. "Abby, I don't know what these people want. It wouldn't be a first if they decided to attack the house, and I won't put you in harms way purposefully."
"Where will we go?" I question, still trying to stand my ground.
"To stay with Bruce." He picks up the phone from the end table and dials.
I had no choice but to go. Pepper and I packed our things and went to stay with my uncle until further notice.
I laid on the guest bed, staring at the ceiling. Then there was a knock on the door. Bruce came and sat beside me.
"Are you alright Abby?" His caring eyes glanced over my face. I lean on my arm so I can look at him.
"What if he dies?" The thought causes me to choke up.
Bruce carefully laid a hand over top of mine. "He's done this many times Abby, you've just never seen him in action." He smirks. "He'll be fine."
No I haven't seen him in action, because I wasn't able to. I didn't know who he was, that wasn't fair. Rage built inside me as I glanced at Dr. Banner.
"Why aren't you helping him? Why are none of you helping him?" I stand and notice the change in Bruce's eyes.
"None of who?"
"The rest of the Avengers? Aren't you guys supposed to be a team or something? Why is he out there risking his life, by himself?"
He stumbles over his words, unable to form a word. In anger, I storm out of the room. I'm out the door before he can stop me. I took a cab back to the house. It's dark and empty, a state I've never seen it in.
"Jarvis?" I speak into my watch.
"Yes Miss Stark?"
"Turn on the lights please." The house is filled with light. I go to the only wing of the house I've never been to, Dad and Pepper's room. For a while I just sat on the bed, thinking about the short time he's been in my life, yet how much he has changed it. Tears fell to the crisp comforter when I noticed a small box sticking out of dad's closet.
I kneel beside in and lift the top. It's filled with pictures, and letters. The one on the top is addressed to him, from my mother.
My heart races as I pull the letter out of the envelope. It is dated seventeen years ago.
July 23, 1996
Dearest Tony,
We said we would keep in touch, but we both knew that last night would be our last. I never knew love until I met you; you didn't either. Our time together will always hold a very special place in my heart. For more than one reason. The reason I am writing is because I must tell you something. If I could tell you in person, I would, but due to my current condition, I simply can't.
Tony, I'm pregnant.
It's a girl. I'm due in a few weeks. I have been meaning to write this for many months, but could never find the words.
You should know that I expect nothing from you, but we both know the importance of having a father in one's life. I have heard of girls doing this on their own, and saying that the man doesn't have anything to do with this, and I'm sorry that I don't agree.
Yes this was not planned, but we are equally responsible. I'm not demanding you marry me and we be a family, but I am asking that you will make an effort to be in her life. She is going to need you to do the things that I can't. She needs that male figure, something I simply can't give her.
I know that you are busy, I've seen all of your accomplishments at the family business, congrats. I always knew you would do it. But please promise me you'll try, at least a little.
I hope to hear from you soon.
With love,
Ellen
Mom always told me that she hadn't heard from my father since before I was born. If she was telling the truth, then she had wanted Tony in my life, and he had ignored her.
He didn't want me.
Why did he want me now?
Was this all just a joke?
The tears were flowing uncontrollably. I snatched up the letter and ran to my room. I packed the things I had brought here, but left everything he had ever given me. I was stupid to think he did or ever could love me. I was a child dreaming.
On the kitchen table, I laid out the note before writing my own.
Tony,
You knew about me the whole time. You knew who I was when I first came to you didn't you? What kind of sick pleasure did you get out of this? Out of treating me like I was special when you never wanted me in the first place?
However you have gotten off from this situation, I won't let you do it anymore.
Goodbye.
I haven't taken any of the things you gave to me, so you know that I was never a gold digging daughter. I meant it when I said I only ever wanted your love.
But I was ignorant to think I could get even that.
Abigail McAdams
I was about to run out when I felt his greatest gift resting on my wrist. Through the tears, it was near impossible to get the watch off. When I finally succeeded, I was ready to chuck it. But I restrained myself, and simply laid in over the notes.
I had just made the front door when there was a knock on it.
I opened to the door to see two police officers standing there. "Abigail Stark?" One of them questioned.
I wiped my eyes dry. "No, Abigail McAdams." I say it as if for the first time, and my heart aches.
"We need you to come with us Miss Stark." The other one reaches for me.
"It's McAdams." I correct sternly and pull away from his reach. Suddenly his eyes flash I his partners arms wrap around my waist. I'm being dragged to their car, as I struggle. These weren't police officers.
They handcuff me and duck tape my mouth before throwing me into the back of the car. The radio is airing a breaking news alert.
"Tony Stark has successfully released the hostages, however the terrorists who are imposing as police officers are still at large. The public is told to be on alert."
When the men got in the car, they quickly changed the channel before the passenger turned to face me.
"We are going to the Grand Hotel. There we will uncuff you, and let you walk in by yourself. You are to walk straight to the elevator, and go to the top floor. From there you will take the stairs to the roof where we will meet you."
The terrorists. I gulp back my fear, and once more speak without flaw. "What if I don't do as you say?"
The man smirks and pulls out a gun. While pointing it at me he laughs. "Then we will kill you, your dear father, and everyone else you love."
"What if I said I didn't love anyone?" I try to keep my pain from resurfacing, but a tear falls anyway. The man smirks as it does.
"Than I'd say you were a really bad liar. So do we have a deal Miss Stark?" He grins manically at me.
